The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are poised to use a lot of two-back sets with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson calling plays. Offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs approves.
With offensive coordinator Zac Robinson stepping into his new role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the offense will look a little different.
Robinson likes to utilize sets with two running backs, typically called a "pony" package, which means an increased role for Kenneth Gainwell.
Gainwell, who Tampa brought in to play behind starting running back Bucky Irving, was one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' most consistent pass catching threats out of the backfield last season.
On Thursday, offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs had high praise for Gainwell, calling him a "freak of nature."
Wirfs, who is a freak of nature in his own right, also complimented Irving for his elusiveness, calling him a "joystick" for his video game-like cuts and juke moves.
Having Gainwell available should help Irving stay fresh after an injury-riddled 2025 campaign.
Despite appearing in just ten games last season, Irving was a "full-go" for camp this past offseason after recovering from a midfoot sprain and a lingering left shoulder injury.
He looked impressive in joint practice sessions, with Irving breaking off big plays Tampa fans became accustomed to during his rookie year.
In 2024, Irving recorded 1,514 total yards and eight touchdowns, effectively taking over Rachaad White's role as the RB1.
According to PFSN's running back impact metric, Irving was the highest-graded rookie back over the last five seasons (88.5), beating out Steelers rookie tailback Najee Harris by a significant margin (81.0).
If he can return to this form, it will be a big benefit to Tampa's offensive attack, which was very inconsistent on the ground last season.
Irving has expressed confidence in Robinson making that happen, praising his new playcaller for his ability to put him in the right places to succeed.
"Every season is going to be different. Can't really live in the past," Irving said during training camp. "Just being able to lean on our new offensive coordinator to get us the ball in good spots and we trust him."
During Robinson's last coaching tenure, with the Atlanta Falcons, he utilized Tyler Allgeier as the Gainwell-type back alongside Bijan Robinson, allowing the uber-talented Robinson to get rest and play alongside another tailback.
For Irving, who is stepping into a full-time starting role following the departure of White in free agency, having Gainwell to carry some of the load will be a big benefit.
Both backs will have an opportunity to take advantage of a historically mediocre Cincinnati Bengals run defense this Sunday in the season opener.
